Can I Give Anbesol to a Baby? FDA Warning Suggests No

Paula G wrote into Holistic Remedies News: ”Can I give Anbesol to a Baby.”

Thanks for the question Paula. Pfizer, the manufacturers Baby Anbesol will answer Yes, as they say their product provides instant relief.

But the FDA for the third time may be warning No, as this product and others such as Baby Orajel that contains benzocaine have shown in some instances to “trigger a rare and sometimes fatal blood condition called methemoglobinemia”

Can I Give Anbesol to a Baby? FDA Warning Suggests No

My father says a couple of drops of whiskey helped me when I was teething. Today that would be considered promoting alcoholism (you didn't hear this from me)

Problems with benzocaine were first announced in 2006 and since then, 29 cases of methemoglobinemia have been reported 19 of which were in children and 15 of those in children under 2.

Another warning occurred in 2011.

The scary symptoms triggered by benzocaine can occur within minutes or even hours after use of a teething product or other liquid containing it. Methemoglobinemia can occur the first time the product is used or much later after several uses even when the child appeared fine previously.

Of course, if your child experiences any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.

A better course of action would be to avoid use of these dangerous products at all and utilize non-toxic remedies that are safe and effective with no risk of fatal blood conditions.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a chilled teething ring or gently massaging your child’s gums with your finger as alternative ways to provide relief. read more

Sarah goes on to say that she personally doesn’t want her child chomping on plastic that may contain BPA and ”massaging the gums does work but is not always practical if you are trying to get your baby to sleep and he won’t lie still due to teething discomfort.”

Sarah recommends inexpensive Homeopathic Teething Tablets instead of drugs or home remedies (read more about it here + more happy parent reviews) .

Common questions about teething from Pfizer

How long does teething last?
It may take your baby up to 3 weeks to cut a single tooth. Once the process begins, it will continue until all 20 baby teeth have come in, usually by the age of 3 years, although every baby is different.

What can I expect when my baby is teething?

Crankiness and irritability.

Excess drooling or crying.

Waking up at night or difficulty sleeping.

Babies may also gnaw on objects or rub their gums.

What can I do to help my baby feel more comfortable during teething?

Home remedies include a teething ring or even a chilled wash cloth to chew on.

You can also rub your baby’s gums.

Some people give their baby oral medicines, which can take 20 minutes or more before they begin to work.

For rapid relief of teething pain, pediatricians and pedodontists recommend Baby Anbesol®. It is alcohol free and works on contact to relieve your baby’s teething pain.